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2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack vs 2017 Subaru Outback

The ideal vehicle offers a fine balance of power, practicality and fun. We all know what power feels like, and practical is a bit based on our lifestyles, but fun is where things can really be thrown up in the air. Style is a part of it, but so is capability and one of the least fun experiences is getting stuck in mud or snow. Still, if you’re comparing the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack vs 2017 Subaru Outback, you’re likely looking for a great daily driver that can also be taken off-road for spontaneous adventures. Both are solid options, but can the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack take down the well-established 2017 Subaru Outback?

VW enthusiasts have been waiting for years to see more AWD options hit the lineup, and the SportWagen was a main contender to earn the drivetrain. In some ways it looks much like the Subaru Outback, too, since it adds body cladding along the sides, over the wheel wells and under the bumpers to create a rugged appearance.

Will you prefer the 2017 VW Golf Alltrack?

In many ways the Golf Alltrack is very similar to the Subaru Outback. Both models seat five, deliver similar fuel economy and power figures and have standard all-wheel drive. You will notice a few mechanical differences, however. The Outback is designed to provide power to all four wheels at all times, while the 4Motion system is designed to drive like a regular front-wheel option up until the extra power is needed. It’s a slightly different approach, but both work to provide more traction in off-road settings. Volkswagen additionally has an off-road driving mode to create a more dynamic experience when going on adventures, but provides a smooth feel when on the road.

Another thing to consider are your transmission options. The Subaru Outback comes with a continuously variable transmission, which can seem pesky for some drivers. On the other hand, the 2017 Golf Alltrack has the six-speed dual-clutch automatic which provides a smooth, consistent feel.

As you can tell, much of what you love about these vehicles will come down to how it actually feels driving them. The Golf Alltrack is heavy in premium features and offers an aggressive look in an otherwise simple and refined lineup, but are these things enough to win over your interest? Stop by Garnet Volkswagen to find out for yourself when you take a test drive.